Over the years as many things have been located on the site now known as Columbus Commons. Most recently, this was the site of a large downtown shopping mall with several large department store chains anchoring the facility financially and with customer foot traffic. prior to that there was an ice rink available to the public known as the centrum. Now it is a green space that hosts, public gatherings, concerts and is a wonderful place to picnic. As of the mid 2020s there have been frequent weekly appearances of food trucks on specific days offering a wide variety of unique foods. On the north end of Columbus Commons there is an outdoor stage, which act has the venue for live performing arts events. These can include the Columbus Symphony, but also other live music and performing arts as well. some of the adjacent local restaurants have windows which open toward Columbus Commons and these are great venues too watch and appreciate all the goings on. It has become a popular spot to host a variety of cultural events, and, while significantly smaller in size and scope, in that respect it generally shares a similar mission to downtown Chicago's Grant Park. Ample parking is available in the garage to the south of Columbus Commons and on surrounding streets. There is also a large underground garage at the Ohio State house, and some other garages and flat lots nearby. I have never found parking to be a huge problem. There is also an underground garage beneath Columbus Commons. Bottom line: lots and lots of parking. read more

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We came here on a Fri night and took some pictures/videos. This was when it was dead and not many people around. I wished they had food open to help draw in more people. We came back on Saturday night and it was packed. It was like the whole city came out. There was free hot chocolate, food, and small shops. Also, they turned on more lights, Santa Claus was there to take pictures with, and the carousel was on. read more

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The Commons are a cool multi-purpose outdoor space that provide a variety of free and low cost activities. There are a couple of food options, ice cream, and a merry go round, along with the park. For events, there are usually a couple of bars set up. I've mostly been here for concert type events and they do a good job putting on free ticketed events. The lines move quickly, with enough staff, which is always appreciated. Since it's an open space, you can bring your own chairs/blankets, etc. The restrooms are decent and they bring in more for events. I think it's a well used and well thought out space and appreciate that it's free for just about everything so we can all enjoy. read more

Rating the CC for both mid Summer and mid Winter experiences. I've been to the summer concert series several times, but the most notable was definitely Sheryl Crow in 2022. I'll try not to base my review too much on her ASTOUNDINGLY MOVING performance, but it was incredible on her part and the sound was very well done. The beer lines do tend to be a little overwhelming, but they move faster than you'd think. Stand in line with a friend and it isn't so bad. That said, the lines for the food trucks are insanely long also. I have skipped getting food to avoid the wait on most visits, but there are also lots of other restaurants in the are to check out first, instead. I don't know if there's a lot they can do about the lines, just because there is only so much space for trucks compared to people within the footprint of the park. The venue also hosts a really cool carousel as a centerpiece at the entrance, which is nice to see in the middle of downtown Columbus, and to my knowledge, there's nothing else similar in the area. The venue itself sits in the middle of its own park in the heart of downtown, surrounded by skyscrapers and high-rise condos, the balconies of which are usually filled with mini parties of folks watching the shows when they happen. It's a good time and a quintessential Columbus experience now. Definitely recommended a summer show with out-of-town guests, if you're hosting. It's also a great place just for a quick walk in that area. The winter light displays are newer the last few years, and really are beautiful. The stage becomes a whole scene with rainbow Christmas trees, and all trees and bushes are twinkled with colored lights. If you have kids, it might be worth a little drive over for an activity, and for adults, it's a good after-dinner treat. It's not a huge Christmas expedition like some of the other Cbus light displays, but it's worth checking out. Parking may take a few minutes, though. I'm definitely looking forward to more experiences at the Commons, though City Center Mall will always be in our hearts (which, during my childhood, sat in a 3 story building where CC now rests). Pro-Tip: The summer concert series is free to attend but you WILL need to register for free tickets online. Don't miss the release dates! You can usually get 4 tickets per person. read more

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Another beautiful display of Christmas cheer. The tree, lights, and decorations always bring Columbus downtown alive. When we arrived at the park, you could feel the kids soaking up the magic of Christmas. The tree covered in lights, with a large Christmas star. The light up ornaments to take photos in, the fireplaces on the big screen tvs. Everything was perfect with Christmas spirit. Parking at the Commons garage was easy to get in and out of. read more

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First time visitor to the Commons, Abba cover band with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Good sound system but with all the people in front and the stage being almost at ground level almost impossible to see any thing even with what they described as "Big Screens" each side of the stage. Fun evening though but will take a picnic next time and not rely on the vendors. read more

It's a cool place to visit.. not real happy with how Columbus does their Christmas lights. We have more places that you have to pay to go see lice then we do that are free. read more

Columbus Commons - Parks Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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What we came to Columbus for wasnt there so we looked up Christmas lights in the area. There was a slight change to park in the parking garage...otherwise this was free. It felt like a safe area... not deserted or crowded.pretty lights. Then we went to Columbus zoos lights ... they were amazing but charged for parking and admission. read more

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It was my first time at Columbus Commons area. Lights were up, and it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas now. Very pretty! There were some parking spots along the street~ my husband and I stopped by here after dinner, and it was nice to walk around the area and enjoy the lights~ read more

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Love the Commons! And I especially love that this city has done a great job putting green space in the downtown area. It's so refreshing! I was walking through the Commons on my way to lunch. Lots of others sit at some of the outdoor tables or walk around on their break. It wasn't extremely busy, but there were a good number of people walking around and sitting. They have food trucks every Thursday during the lunch hour and often have events here. They also do free movies! It was such a fresh breath of air to walk through it and I'll probably walk through it again as much as I can! read more

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Ahhhh, the Columbus Commons! Such a special place in the heart of downtown Columbus. On an ordinary day the commons serves as a big beautiful park. Perfect for enjoying a picnic lunch, a nice afternoon stretch, or a game of fetch with your pooch. There's a giant grass field, benches, parking underneath, and overall just awesome scenery. Then, on special occasions you can enjoy live concerts, special events, tasty food from a variety of food trucks, drinks, the whole nine yards. If you've never made it here for a special event, definitely add it to your bucket list. Heck, they even have free events and free concerts throughout the summer. No excuses, bring the whole family! Overall, we're lucky to have such a cool space downtown and I'm so happy to see folks enjoying it. Keep up with the awesome event calendar! read more

Had a nice evening last night at the venue. Music was great and it was very nice. Kid and dog friendly. read more

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I have been here more times than I can count, as well as walk through it to get to work. I love the space of being able to see the dogs, bees and butterflies that frolick along this green space. If you are a Plant Mama like me, you can enjoy the beautiful landscaping a flower beds and potted plants. I come here for concerts and sometimes it's yoga when I'm not at work. And also a good space to stop when you're riding your bike. They have Jeni's Ice Cream and Taquero restaurant stands towards the end with lounge chairs available for those who really want to relax within work breaks. 5 stars cuz it's always clean and secure, seriously there are security guards and CCTV everywhere. So no worries! read more

I'm really at the Columbus Commons for only two types of things, the concerts and to photograph the Christmas display from the rooftop of the parking garage, across the street. Parking is relatively easy and the area is wide-open and easily accommodating, if you're attending a concert event, which they hold often (sometimes it's gated, as some of the concerts require ticket purchases - but most are free). They host great events, particularly for R&B fans who get to enjoy old school concerts. They have food trucks with a great assortment of food types that should appease anyone visiting. When I'm there for Christmas displays, I walk the park and listen to the Christmas music. There are a few rides for family fun, but I'm there to just enjoy the scenery. When the time comes, I set up across the street and shoot the lighting and surrounding cityscape (see my photo). If you catch it during the Blue Hour (within the hour before sunrise and after sunset), there is a beautiful blue hue on the horizon that is complimented by the city lights, whether it's holiday time or not. Last year, I set up across the street to photograph the Supermoon (see the photo). It was an awesome vantage point to witness as well as a good place to position the rising moon between two buildings (photo posted). There are many family events and exercise sessions to enjoy, so check out their website and find what's right for you. read more

Columbus Commons - Parks Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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The Columbus Commons is a great addition to downtown! When City Center was torn down, they replaced it with this beautiful 6 acre park instead. This large green space hosts all kinds of events, many of which are free! Movies, concerts, fitness classes, food trucks and other festivals are examples of some of the events hosted here throughout the year. It's definitely worth signing up for their newsletter (https://columbuscommons.org) to keep up to date on what's happening and available during the warmer months. They have a couple of permanent food stands: Taquero Mad Street Food and Jeni's Ice Cream. And when they have events, they usually have additional food trucks and alcoholic drink stands too. They also have a carousel and play area for the kids! The original parking garage for City Center is still available underneath the park and there are plenty of street meters and other garages around as well so parking usually is fairly painless. Pro tip: Shadowbox Live usually does a free show here every Memorial and Labor Day so take advantage of this opportunity to catch a free show! read more

We came down to walk around during Christmas and the light display was beautiful! It's a pretty park and the lights are really well integrated. It's not a big area, but the display is well done and it's worth a trip to see. If you're in the area around Christmas, I recommend stopping by! read more

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Searching for something to do this summer and don't know where to start? Head immediately to the Commons website for a list full of fun things to do for the entire family - many at no charge. From concerts to Zumba and Fun Family Fridays, there's much fun to be had by all. For this with a little bit of change to spend, you can find awesome events with the Columbus Symphony as well as old school concerts/festivals. I especially enjoy walking around in the early evenings and taking in the scenery. Although the Commons will soon be encased in buildings, they've designed a rather lovely garden that also surrounds the grounds. As the Commons continues to grow and serve the city in different ways, there is no doubt it will be a constant place for groovy things to do for all budget levels. read more

A local treasure for sure! Beautiful green space in our vibrant city creates a nice balance. In addition, this spot also hosts many wonderful events for the community for anyone & everyone! Some of my favorites are the concerts, both local & nationally known, the Shadowbox Live shows on Memorial & Labor Day weekends (did I mention FREE!!!), and their beautiful holiday decorations! The Commons host many events ranging from concerts to food trucks to fitness activities. Parking: parking garage is located in the back of the commons, but there is ample metered parking as well Food: there are 2-3 set food options (Jeni's Ice Cream; Tortilla) as well as additional food trucks brought in for various events Restrooms: On site bathrooms as well as many porta-potties read more

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Fun time volunteering at Margherita Fest last Saturday. Lots of people came out to drink 5 margaritas (5oz) a drink and enjoy some Mexican food from food trucks. There was live music the whole time. Hubby and I poured drinks and garnish them with pineapple for 4 hours. We each got a cool T-shirt and 5 drinks for volunteering. read more

I came down to see the Holidays Lights at the Columbus Commons and it was nice to see. It's definitely somewhere that you would want to bring little kids to and see the lights. It looks like on Friday nights they have free hot cocoa until they run out. read more

Columbus Commons - Parks Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Such a fun and clean space for us Ohioans to enjoy! We went for the Christmas lights and it's really so festive and fun. Hopefully this summer covid will be a thing of the past and we'll get to enjoy the outdoor space and all it has to offer! read more

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A great gathering place that is certainly fulfilling a need with the young professionals and young families. Good activity offerings that span from fitness to food and entertainment. Food truck lunches available on Thursdays spring through October. Franklin Park conservatory does a nice job on landscaping. Parking is a pain if you work in any of the nearby buildings as I do, b/c the Commons Underground parking garage spots have been mostly reserved now for the new condo tenants. Late night slice is a great addition to the scene and convenient for work. I always feel safe, even when parking a bit further away from my office right there on State Street. read more

Columbus Commons - Parks Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Columbus Commons is Columbus true gem for outdoor parks. The City of Columbus has a lot to be proud of with their idea of creating this area for everyone to enjoy the food trucks, chess games (yes, a giant chess board outside on the South end with plenty of tables and chairs to enjoy the game). As well as picnic with the pops, other community events and recreational fitness activities. Today, was my first time walking around the Columbus Commons since I was here for the ADA Legacy Celebration at the park. I was happy with the amount of room the organizations that came to support the Americans with Disabilities Act had to get around and do their thing. I saw everyone from the Catholic Social Services, Easter Seals, Hollistic Wellness, COTA, Wright Choice Inc, OOD, and plenty others. I was happy to see them all enjoying the park and making it so accessible to those with wheelchairs. I wish I brought plenty of dough for the food trucks there today from Mikey's Late Night Slice, Paddy Wagon, Pitabilities, Challah Food Truck, Schmidt's, Tortilla, Red Plate Blue Plate and Mixing Bowl Asian Grill. I didn't know they come here every Thursday during the lunch hour. Next time I will definitely grab a bite to eat and also check out their times for the activities such as Zumba. All this stuff really excites me and makes me want to spend a whole day there and soak up some sun! It's definitely a kid friendly park and a way to relive your childhood years! read more

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Very nice area with its bicentennial pavilion. Loads of grassy area to sit on, but a giant portion farther from the pavilion is off limits at the moment. There is a weird light game people can play. Didn't try it myself... At the opposite side of the pavilion is Jeni's ice cream and another food place (don't remember what it's called but it serves savory foods). Very nice and maintained. Benches sparingly around. There is a cute kids tables and chairs area near the food places. Just wish there was more shade! The tall buildings surrounding it only does so much at certain times. read more

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They're not respectful and only care about profit. They constantly blast music any day of the week at any time, even when the park is empty at night. I hope the city of Columbus quickly realizes that this "park" is making people move out of downtown. I had no idea I'd be moving next to an outdoor stadium when I signed the lease. Bad people read more

Columbus Commons - This is what their random concerts look like, wow so fun - Parks Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Great addition to downtown Columbus! Beautiful 6 acre green space with gardens, a carousel, two restaurants and over 200 events which include free concerts, free exercise events, food truck festivals, etc. I love the community vibe you get while attending events. This place used to be city center mall years ago. And this is such welcome site from having another mall in the cbus area! Pretty smart on the developers of CBus to surround the space with some gorgeous residential apartments and condos. Ensures the space is economically successful. read more

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Came here for a free workout class for their free Wednesday fitness classes over the summer, and it was really fun. I have never had a bad time at Columbus Commons. I of course will be back. read more

As a Columbus resident born and raised I was sad to see the City Center Mall leave the downtown area. At the time Columbus wasn't ready for a downtown mall. In rushed a lavish green space with overpriced apartments/condos. Who'd live there ?Most Columbus natives thought. What a surprise when those condos filled slowly but surely. Now the downtown area is the place to be. The Commons is and can be the place to be to find music,food trucks and other events in the city when the season is going correctly. read more

On my first day in Columbus over 10 years ago, it was City Center mall's final weekend in business. And then an old building sat empty in the middle of Downtown. And then it was torn down, and we had a hole in the middle of the city. And then Columbus Commons park was built. I adore that we have a big, beautiful green space in the middle of our city. I also love that the Commons is absolutely making the most of the park. There is constant programming and events. From the Food Truck Festival to live concerts, the symphony, family fun days -- you name it and it's happening here. Most things are free or cheap -- just check out their website for all the deets. Another cool thing: THERE'S LOTS OF PARKING. You can park underneath the park itself or in a garage across the street on Rich. So don't be afraid of coming downtown to one of their events because there are plenty of spots to park. My one gripe is that there are now buildings surrounding the park, so you really can't see it anymore when you're passing by. I know this was the plan all along, but I still loved when we could see the beautiful space from just about any angle. Regardless of my one gripe, I love Columbus Commons. It's definitely a must-do on a trip to Cbus! read more

Its a great open park venue in downtown Columbus. They offer great scenery, often free music, food truck festivals, and a great time. Were down here watching Mojo Flow and the weather is fine. Only downside is if it rains, well, then it rains. Neighborhood is safe and real nice, and there are a few bars nearby like Little Palace, Dirty Franks, and 16-Bit. Street parking and parking garages are nearby. read more

Columbus Commons - Parks Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Others have reviewed the Columbus Commons green space itself, so I'll be focusing on the carousel. It's small but absolutely beautiful. Parents ride free with a child, and kids are just $1 per ride (you have to purchase tokens from a nearby machine). The carousel staffer was jovial and entertaining even after four (yes, four!) rides. As to the carousel itself, my daughter lost her mind when she saw the many cool critters beyond horses - including a very Nemo-like clown fish, a frog prince (complete with crown), several big cats, a dragon and a glorious giraffe. The horses and other animals are beautifully painted and decorated. The top of the carousel is adorned with photos of Columbus landmarks and hot spots - a nice touch. If you didn't know, Mansfield, Ohio is home to the world's best carousel makers, and the Columbus Commons carousel is a glorious little number crafted right here in Ohio. Ride it with pride. read more

Concerts, free fitness group classes, fun events and festivals, food trucks, beautiful Christmas lights.. nearly every event happening in downtown happens here!! It a beautiful and very well maintained place in the heart of downtown. jeni's and tortilla are right here in the commons! read more

Columbus Commons - Parks Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

City Center, the downtown mall that I found on my first day in Columbus two decades ago, was a fav of mine; but I did not cry when the wrecking balls started to swing. City Center died many years before that event. And when the City suggested turning it into office space my stomach sunk; for whatever the negatives of malls, they are public spaces, and the disappearance of this one seemed to be counter the goal of a vibrant downtown. Thankfully, they made this park instead, a blast of green in a cavern carved out of skyscrapers, just south of the Capital Building. A couple years ago I was there for its unveiling and was impressed with the spectacular view looking north. My imagination did not expect the impression the buildings on Spring and beyond would make from the Rich Street gate. It more than exceeded my expectations, with them looming large and thick with the prestige and power that their glowing windows connotates. Sitting near the base of these steal mountains is a stage, as Columbus Commons act as a venue as well as a park, hosting many musical acts of different genres. They also hold festivals here, and in the winter the park glows with Christmas lighting, a must see event if in the area. The park has gardens, benches, an outdoor reading room that is furnished with books and Wifi by the Columbus Library, a carousel of Ohio themed horses, a booth of Jeni's ice cream, and other attractions, making it certainly a public space helping with revitalization. The passage into the Hyatt still exists giving easy access to the Capital Square stores and eateries. The City Center parking garage still stands too, making parking less of a hassle for events. My only gripe--and I am a bit of two minds about it--is that I don't like the new condos spanning the South High Street side. The condos are built in a style that fits the cosmopolitan spirit of the space, but they blocks the facade of the Lazareth building, who view looking west was awesome. Although I'd love to afford a place there some day. ( those bastards have a swimming pool--check Google Earth!) This is certainly a pillar of downtown community. read more

Columbus Commons - Parks Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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So Columbus tore down its Eighties City Center Mall (that wasn't open until the nineties, by the way) and turned it into a field? Yes. But the commons is a lot more. There are pop up events like food truck days. There is an impressive outdoor stage venue. There is a merry go round and smallish kids's area. There are a few permanent restaurant buildings. The commons are ringed by high end apartment and condo buildings as well as some commercial office space and the alleyway to the Ohio Theatre. Effectively, the city tore down an outdated retail space and turned it into the city's back yard. It retains the mall's underground parking garage, so in life after people, this park will eventually collapse into a cement pit filled with water. (Too many zombie shows? Maybe.) But at least there is parking. Cool venue that was forward thinking when it was created. Neat space in an urban setting. read more

Happy belated 5th Birthday @columbuscommons!!! I can't believe you are 5 years old! You have surely grown up! You added so much nature, fun, food, music, and activities into your 5 years. I can't wait to see you grow more over the years and what you will bring to us! Thank you so much!!! Enjoy your Birthday CC! read more

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I like having this big open spot in the middle of the city. The Columbus Commons is a change from all the concrete and pavement that surrounds it. This is a flat park containing a carousel and a stage with a few kiosks. It's not a lot here but it's a big improvement from the thing here before. The park is the site of concerts, food trucks in warmer weather, and people chilling out on their lunch hour, taking a nap, or whatever they feel like. I think it's much better than what was on this site before. That was the City Center Mall. It had only opened in the late 1980s but it was outdated and trashy a decade later. It was finally torn down in 2009 and in it's place was, nothing. The city decided to make the site a park. It's not your typical park. There's no big hills or trees. It's just a flat area of maybe an acre surrounded by a few buildings. There are now apartments on the west side which shields the park from High Street. It's fun for the whole family. There's a carousel as well as a big chess board at the south end. The stage at the north end is the site of Picnic With The Pops in the summer. It also holds a bunch of other concerts. There are also numerous fitness activities including yoga. Food trucks are here in better weather. If you've been trying to catch one of them the food truck festival is a good place for that. They have all the popular ones as well as some more unusual. It always has something happening. The park itself is very nice and is a safe place in the middle of the city. I like coming to Columbus Commons whether it be for the events and festivals or even when there is nothing happening. It's a good spot for your break. The city of Columbus made an excellent call to not build on this spot and add more needed open space. read more

Columbus Commons - The Commons - Parks Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I applaud Columbus city planners for this wonderful and useful public space. I like what they did with the Scioto Mile, but I enjoy the Columbus Commons space even more. The Columbus Commons is wonderful venue in downtown Columbus, adding some much needed greenery in an otherwise concrete landscape. It serves as an oasis of sorts in the heart of the city. I've attended a few events at the Commons and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The space is big enough to accommodate large events. I attended the Food Truck Fest and also the Gin Blossoms concert. I never felt too crowded or unsafe. There was plenty of security around and also plenty of restroom facilities. An awesome space and I look forward to attending more events. read more

Venue is not a great place to watch a show. Poorly designed facility where you can't see the show if one person stands up in front of you. The walkway between the barriers of the 1st lawn and second lawn very are distracting. The second lawn should have been built up several feet to allow a better view of the stage. If your going to a show to party, not pay attention to the music and your surroundings... This place is YOUR venue!!!! I will never attend another show here unless I would be able to obtain an up close ticket to the stage. 1 star rating is better than my experience and the several hundred that had to stare at the back of three egotistical stooges. Over 10 people asked security to remedy the situation, with no course of action from them... Buyer beware if you purchase tickets to what could have been a cool venue if they built it correctly. read more

Columbus Commons - As you can see from the one guy standing off to the side how three people in a row can ruin the view of the hundreds behind them - Parks Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

What a nice little area downtown. I went to the holiday fair going on here and it was great. Fireworks, singing, street vendors... what a great space. It's hard differentiate between reviewing the event/fair versus the space itself but the area itself seemed nice and green and well kept. Maybe it needs more recycle bins. I highly recommend attending events here. read more

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I've stumbled through the area when there was Indiana Jones on the big screen, and I've caught Ben Folds at Picnic with the Pops. Needless to say... I love what they've done with this area. So many family friendly events, activities (haha, activities...), good landscaping (The Franklin Park Conservatory designers handle the landscaping? According to other reviews... great job!), good parking... I mean, all in all, it's pretty awesome. I'd love to see more big acts playing! read more